We got some snow, it wasn't actually a blizzard. What was reported the day before was this:
After it had been snowing for about an hour the weather men were like "Oh my gosh guys it's actually not going to snow that much, you bought all the bread and milk you could, and thought you may have work off and ... oops. Oh that darn mother nature she's tricky." Well they may have not made that exact quote, but they might as well have. Along the coast we got anywhere from a dusting to a few inches and it does make everything very pretty. I went for a walk this morning at work and although cold, you can't beat the view.
One good thing about an impending storm is I got a lot of work done. This is my latest creation:
Woolie Whale made with the scraps of other whales and creatures, very eco-friendly.
My shop has been pretty busy the past year, not only with orders from my etsy shop but also quite a few places around Massachusetts. If you're looking for some unique gifts for someone, or yourself, check these places out.
This is the newest place now housing some of my Sweet Carolyn's items.
I dropped these guys off last Saturday. The shop is mainly architecture, planning and designing as the sign says, but she has also put in what is called The Drawing Room. This is front room of her space is a shop area featuring local artists including vintage signing, handmade fire pits, pillows, weaving, jewelry and more. So if you're in the area check it out:
This shop is filled with vintage clothing and accessories, antiques and all sorts of handmade items.
How great does this look? If you're anywhere near Worcester, MA this is a must see, and if you're in the city, it's only a train ride away. Crompton Collective 138 Green St. (Ground Level) Worcester, MA 01604 T: 508-753-7303 http://cromptoncollective.com
These are only two of many places where you can find my items and lots of other artist's products. Stay tuned for more places to come. In the meantime go visit these places!
So we all make those New Years Resolutions, and right about now a lot of people are slipping, falling and flat out jumping off their wagons. I have, so far, stuck to my resolution, which was to buy no more yarn, until I use what I have. Sensible, I know, but I have A LOT of yarn, but at this point I may not need to buy anymore until next year.
I have yarn in these bins and the baskets on top.
There is yarn hiding in bags under these finished woolies, and there's about two more bins, if not more around my studio.
The second resolution I made was that I wouldn't take a three month vacation this winter, and that I would use it to build inventory back up. Thankfully I can crochet just about anywhere, so I've been crocheting pieces for Woolie Animals whenever and where ever I can. I then set up my studio table as a Sew Um Up station.
and finished! I hope you are sticking to your resolutions whatever they may be, stop by my shop to see what new creations all this yarn is making. I'm thinking about expanding to include accessories as well...
I guess I should explain my job a little better other than I just dress in crazy amounts of wool. I work for Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA, and my official job title is Colonial Foodways Specialist. Which means I spend half my time in "old time-y" clothes, with a funny accent, and I pretend not to know what the internet is, or what iPhones are, etc.etc.
Being part of Foodways means I get to make things like this Gooseberry Tart for our recreation of a 17th century wedding this past summer.
I also roasted a pig on a spit, with fellow interpreters in our museums colonial village site.
Sorry about the blurry picture, it's hard to sneak pictures while a pilgrim (Picture courtesy of Sally Rothemich).
Now that it's the winter, and we're closed, we get a chance to do things like research, and classes which isn't as easy when we're open to the public. And do you know what a lot of people think of, other than Thanksgiving when they think pilgrims?
BEER!
"Monday the 25 being Christmas day, we began to drink water aboard, but at night the master caused us to have some beer, and so on board we had divers times now and then some beer, but on shore none at all."
-1622. Mourt’s Relation. Caleb Johnson, ed. p. 472.
Poor pilgrims, they knew the wilderness would suck, but I bet they thought they'd at least have beer. Which leads me to my latest adventure; a couple days ago I headed to Beer & Wine Hobby in Woburn, MA for a home brewing class. It was in hopes to get more detailed information on modern brewing, how we can make it like the pilgrims, and of course to buy supplies. My wallet was not too happy about this adventure; I got a bunch of extra supplies for a kit I previously bought, and a new book, much recommended:
Long story short, brewing beer is pretty easy, (well that's what I was told), and now all that's left to do is read, and brew. So check back and see if I brew amazing beer, or just beer bombs (over carbonated beer can make your bottles explode and create a giant mess. I'm aiming not to do this).
If you want to learn more about beer or what beer to drink, or not to drink you should check out my friends The Two Kyles. They try beers and tell you who awesome or not so awesome they are. Here is one of their episodes:
So after years of thinking about starting a blog I have finally taken the plunge. I've been creating art ever since I can remember, my grandmother had a ceramic studio were she taught, and a good part of my childhood was spent there. My favorite job was when she had me open every bottle of paint and pick all the dried drips so the looked presentable for her students (or it was just to keep me busy). That creativity seemed to stick, I got a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Textile Design and Fiber Arts, and that's when I started a little online business Sweet Carolyn's.
Now, I'm sharing the stories that come along with running your own small business, being a crafter with far too many projects, and oh wait, I have a full time....... I would say normal but its really not, job.
Oh yes that's me! For 5 days a week from 9-5, I eat, live, breath, 17th century life, but then I go home and crochet woolie whales and ship packages all over the world. It's an exciting and interesting time and if you're crafty, geeky, or just like a good laugh you should defiantly subscribe and come along for a crazy ride.
